The Dutch Formula 1 driver is the cause of the main stopper faced by the team to finish the world championship in first position
Checo Pérez, an experienced Mexican driver, made a costly mistake at the Monaco Grand Prix. Despite his renowned ability in wet races, his puncture and subsequent poor decisions from him relegated him to 16th position. Meanwhile, max verstappen consolidated his leadership racking up 25 more points for Red Bull and widening the gap with Checo Pérez to 29 points.
A hard blow for Pérez, who admitted to Racingnews365: “I am aware of my mistake, there are 25 points that we have lost and I am very upset.” For his part, Red Bull he tries to balance the personal aspirations of his drivers with the interests of the team. The strategy seems clear: they want Max Verstappen to win his third consecutive World Cup, with Checo Pérez as squire, to ensure the Constructors’ World Cup.
Checo Pérez’s last train for the title
However, the Mexican pilot is not willing to give up. Pérez wants to win the World Cup with Red Bull and considers himself on a par with Max Verstappen, a statement that adds more tension within the team. Checo Pérez, at 33, is aware that he could be facing his last great opportunity to win the Formula 1 World Championship.
Given the circumstances, it seems difficult for him to continue at Red Bull next season, and it also seems difficult for him to get a midfielder in one of the elite teams. The current season shows Red Bull with overwhelming superiority, and the only threat to Verstappen seems to be his own teammate, Sergio Pérez.
Monaco disappointment and future expectations
The Monaco Grand Prix, with a forecast of rain and only 14 points difference in the general classification, seemed to be a golden opportunity for Checo Pérez. However, the plan turned out to be a complete disaster. Max Verstappen was the one who ended up taking the race, while Checo Pérez could not add a single point.
Red Bull is already looking to the future and seems to have a candidate in its sights: Oscar Piastri, promising Australian driver who debuted this season in Formula 1 with McLaren. Piastri has shown astonishing progress, taking titles in Formula Renault Eurocup in 2019, Formula 3 in 2020 and Formula 2 in 2021. Red Bull boss Christian Horner expressed his admiration for the young talent and his regret for not have signed it before.
